Descendant Bio – Dorothy Bell Cologne (1924-2017)

Posted on September 9, 2018 by Don Taylor

John Foster Montran Descendants
By Don Taylor

The John Montran Descendants Project is a personal project to explore the possibility that my great-grandfather, John Montran married twice. Once to Ida May Barber and once to Maude Minnie Winter. I believe he had one daughter with Ida (my grandmother) and two daughters with Maude. It is my goal to either confirm or disprove that the two John F. Montrans were the same individual.

I believe that Ruth Grace Montran is my grandmother’s (Madonna Mae Montran) (unknown) half-sister and that they shared the same father, John F. Montran. I am continuing this project by following the lives of Ruth’s two daughters.

John Montran Descendant Project 2018

Descendants of John F. Montran
   Children of John F. Montran and Ida Mae Barber

i.  Madonna Mae Montran (1893-1976)

Children of John F. Montran and Maude Minnie Winter

ii.  Thelma M. Montran (1895-1974)
Children of Minor Howard Babcock and Thelma M. Montran

A. Olga Ruth Babcock (1916-2001)
B. Montran Benson Babcock (1922-1972)

iii.  Ruth Grace Montran (1897-1993)
Children of John Terrell Cologne and Ruth Grace Montran

Dorothy Bell Cologne (1924-2017)
John Terrell Cologne, Jr. (1925-1994)

Birth

Dorothy Bell Cologne was the first child of John Terrell and Ruth Grace (Montran) Cologne. She was born on 13 January 1924 in Pennsylvania (Probably Philadelphia).

Childhood

In 1930 she was living with her parents at 2 Farragut Street in Philadelphia and she was attending school.

C-54 – Plane type Dorothy flew back to the United States in.

In 1940 she was a lodger at Fred J. Harley’s home in Springfield, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She was attending school. She was an excellent singer and sang in several school plays. Sometime between 1940 and 1946 she moved to Florida.

In 1946, she reentered the country flying on a military plane. She had been out of the country as a singer. Her stage name was Jennifer Marshall. Her home is listed as 515 – 5th St., No St. Petersburg, Fla.

Marriage

In November 1967, Dorothy married Charles J. D’Aprix.  They remained married for almost nine years and divorced on 2 September 1976. It does not appear that they had any children.

Adult

During her adulthood, Dorothy worked as a Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams and other agencies in the Miami area. She often sang with various groups and choirs.

Death & Burial

She died on January 29, 2017, in Miami, Florida. Internment is unknown.

Follow-up

If you are a descendant of any of the above individuals, I would love to hear from you. Please use the contact form in the side panel or the comments form below.

————–  Disclaimer  ————–

Sources

  • Year: 1930; Census Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 0496. Source Information
Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fieenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.
  • Morning Call, The, (Allentown, Pennsylvania) 1994-06-01, Main Edition, Page 21 – John J. Cologne Jr. (Newspapers.com).
  • “California, San Francisco Airplane Arrival Card Index, 1936-1949,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q29Z-1514 : 17 March 2018), Dorothy Belle Or Jennifer Cologne Or Marshall, 1946; citing Immigration, NARA microfilm publication A3361. (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1998), FHL microfilm 100,682,131.
  • “Florida Marriage Index, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VJ8T-M3T : 28 November 2014), Dorothy B Cologne, Nov 1967; from “Florida, Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001,” database and images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville, Florida; and Jordan Dodd, Liahona Research.
  • “Florida Marriage Index, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VJ8T-KTQ : 28 November 2014), Charles J Daprix, Nov 1967; from “Florida, Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001,” database and images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 2006); citing Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville, Florida; and Jordan Dodd, Liahona Research.
  • Homelight.com, Dorothy D’aprix – Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty Premier. https://www.homelight.com/agents/dorothy-d-aprix-fl-00119314.
  • Tributes.com, Dorothy D’Aprix (1924-2017) – No Image. https://www.tributes.com/obituary/print_selections/104435613.
  • “United States Public Records, 1970-2009,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ5S-3W5M : 16 May 2014), Dorothy D’Aprix, Residence, Davie, Florida, United States; a third party aggregator of publicly available information.
  • “United States Public Records, 1970-2009,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJHV-JQCS : 23 May 2014), Dorothy Daprix, Residence, Miami, Florida, United States; a third party aggregator of publicly available information.
  • Voter Records.com, Dorothy B D’aprix’s Florida Voter Registration. https://voterrecords.com/voter/9329409/dorothy-daprix
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Donna appears with Arthur Daly – February 1918

Posted on September 7, 2018 by Don Taylor

The New York Clipper for February 13, 1918 reported

JEROME SONGS IN VAUDEVILLE

New York Clipper Feb 13, 1918, Page 12.

Montran and Daly, who are now appearing on the United time, are featuring a number of the songs from the William Jerome catalogue. The best are “The Irish Will Be There,” “When It’s Cotton Pickin’ Time In Alabam’,” “When You Were The World To Me,” and “When the Yanks Come Marching Home.” Arthur Daly, the male member of the team is the composer of the first three numbers.

The “United Time” appears to have been a vaudeville circuit that many vaudeville houses were affiliated. I can’t find out anything else about Arthur Daly and his songs don’t seem to have any information associated with them.  I have not been successful in determining any specific theaters that they played at.

The association of Donna and Arthur Daly appears to have been very short lived. In January 1918, she was apparently still in Boston and appeared in the January 27th article, “Play With Dolls To Banish Fatigue?” and by April 10th, she was forming an act with George Kinnier for the Moss and Loew Circuits.

Update

I added the following to Donna’s experiences.

Feb 13 – Began appearing on the “United Time” with Arthur Daly in New York.

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Magdalen Polk Taylor (1890-1970) – Ancestor Sketch

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Don Taylor

52 Ancestors – Week 2018-35
Bradey-Hingston Project
By Don Taylor

Bradley-Hingston 2018 – Ancestor #5

List of Grandparents

  • Grandmother: Magdalen Polk Taylor (1890-1970)
  • 1st Great-grandfather: William S. Taylor, Jr. (1859-____)
  • 2nd Great-grandfather: William S. Taylor, Sr.

Birth

Magdalen (Madeline in some records) Polk Taylor was born on 31 December 1890. She was the third child of William S. and Maria (Polk) Taylor. She was most likely born in New Jersey, but it is possible she was born in Pennsylvania. Her two older siblings were:

  • Sister: Dorothy – Born January 1888.
  • Brother: John – Born Jul 1889.

Childhood

Little is known about her early childhood. The 1900 Census suggests they may have had two residences, one in Philadelphia and one on the New Jersey coast, in Cape May County. She grew up in the upper middle class; her family had a housekeeper/servant throughout her childhood.

Marriage

Magdalen married Arthur Wilson Bradley on 4 April 1910 at the Church of the Transfiguration, Philadelphia, PA, in a ceremony performed by John G Hatton. She was 19-years-old; Arthur was 22.

The couple had three children:

  • Christian Bradley – born 20 March 1911
  • Miriam Bradley – born in 1912
  • David Tasker Polk Bradley – born 10 May 1918.

All three children were born in Philadelphia.

Adulthood

The 1910 Census finds Arthur and Magdalen living with his mother, Emily at 4073 Powelton Ave. That address does not appear to exist today.  In the same household are Arthur’s brother, William, Arthur’s aunt Emma, and a 22-year-old immigrant servant girl, Mary E. Rowan.

Sometime before 1915, the couple moved across the Delaware River to Pennsauken Township, New Jersey. The couple moved back to Philadelphia before 1917 and were living on Verree Road when Arthur registered for the draft.

On 27 September 1919 eight-year-old Christian was hit by a truck while playing in the street; he died.

The 1920 Census shows the family, living on Verree Road. Residing with Arthur, Madeline, and the two children (Miriam & David) is a 17-year-old maid from Bohemia named Frances Corbel.

The 1930 Census indicates that Magdalen and Arthur in Warminster, on Davisville Road. Living with them are Mariam and David, now ages 17 and 11.

On 8 March 1937, Arthur and Magdalen divorced. Arthur remarried later that year. Magdalen never remarried.

I’ve been unsuccessful finding Magdalen in the 1940 Census. I thought she was living in the household of Herbert L Fischer. However, I now think that may be another Magdalen Bradley of the same age.

Death & Burial

Magdalen relocated to Arlington, Virginia sometime before she died on 24 November 1970. She lived at 702-N Highland Street. Interestingly enough, that address is now blurred by Google. However, Buck & Associates have a photo of the home on their website.

Magdalen was buried four days later in Plot Abington #2, Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Further Actions / Follow-up

  • Further research Magdalen’s life from 1937 until her death.

————–  Disclaimer  ————–

Sources

  • Bristol Daily Courier, (Bristol, PA) 09 Mar 1937, · Page 4 – Divorce – Anson W. Bradley Magdalen P. T. Bradley. Com.
  • “United States Census, 1900,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9NR-RYH : accessed 23 August 2018), William S Tayler Jr., Middle Township Angelsea borough, Wildwood borough, Avalon Borough, Rio Grande Village, Cape May, New Jersey, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 107, sheet 12A, family 308, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,960.
  • 1900 Census, 1900 Census – William S Taylor, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Ward 9, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 0159; FHL microfilm: 1241455. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2442/records/25439613/.
  • “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2JN­FF1 : accessed 12 March 2018), William R Hingston in household of Annie Hingston, Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 443, sheet 30A, family 479, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 587; FHL microfilm 1,374,600.
  • “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGC6-VQ1 : accessed 30 May 2018), Emily E Bradley, Philadelphia Ward 24, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 513, sheet 6A, family 122, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1398; FHL microfilm 1,375,411. Accessed 29 May 2018
  • “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGC6-VQ1 : accessed 30 May 2018), Emily E Bradley, Philadelphia Ward 24, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 513, sheet 6A, family 122, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1398; FHL microfilm 1,375,411. Accessed 29 May 2018
  • “United States Census, 1920,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFYR-CF8 : accessed 29 May 2018), Arthur W Bradley, Philadelphia Ward 35, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; citing ED 1238, sheet 1A, line 30, family 7, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 1637; FHL microfilm 1,821,637. – Accessed 29 May 2018
  • “United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH88-RV4 : accessed 30 May 2018), Arthur W Bradley, Warminster, Bucks, Pennsylvania, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 75, sheet 10B, line 82, family 251, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2008; FHL microfilm 2,341,742. Accessed 29 May 2018
  • The Central News, (Perkasie, PA) 1938-02-17, Page 4 – In the Registers Office – 4th paragraph, Mrs. Magdalene Tasker Polk Bradley – Com.
  • Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 25 August 2018), memorial page for Magdalen T. Bradley (31 Dec 1890–24 Nov 1970), Find A Grave Memorial no. 182390190, citing Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA; Maintained by DAO (contributor 47943782).
  • Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1669-2013 – Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records; Reel: 242 Marriage – Arthur Wilson Bradley & Madeline Polk Taylor.

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Montrans in the News – Female Help Wanted.

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Don Taylor

Beauties at City Hall, Boston, 1916, Included Donna MontranMontran Monday
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

My grandmother’s father was John Montran. She used the surname, as a young child and again when she began in show business. The name is uncommon and most of the Montrans I see in the newspapers are her during her vaudeville career. With a constant flow of newly digitized material, I often learn of new articles which contain the Montran name. I pay attention to the finding and try to determine it’s possible relationship to grandma Donna or her father, John Montran. Hopefully, you will find the articles interesting. This week, for Montran Monday I found the following article:

The Philadelphia Inquirer dated March 30, 1916[i]

Philadelphia Inquirer, 30 March 1916, Page 15.

Article transcription:

YOUNG LADY of pleasing personality, Free to travel to advertise magazines, big money and steady position. Inquire Miss Montran, Keystone Circulating Co. 304½ N. Broad St.

How exciting. I know very little about Donna’s life during 1916. In July 1915 she was in Boston and did her biplane stunt and in September she kissed Politicians at a Republican Banquet. It is not again until December 1916 and Donna tries out to be the Miss Boston Beauty for the Preparedness Bazaar that there are any items of her life that I know about.

When my mother was pregnant with me, she traveled from city to city selling magazine subscriptions; could she have gotten the idea of doing that from Donna’s previously working for such a company? If so, it would make sense and be a key bit of information about my mother’s selling magazine subscriptions. I researched the Keystone Circulating Company at length and found many articles about the Philadelphia based company. Only the one article ever mentions “Miss Montran.”

I track 45 different Montran individuals in my database. A look there found that Maude Minnie Winter Montran was probably living in Philadelphia in 1916. In 1910, Maude is living with a family and working as a Christian Science Nurse. By 1920, Maude had moved from Philadelphia to California. Seeing her working as a magazine circulation sales representative in 1916 in Philadelphia is more likely to me that having had Donna move from Boston in 1915 and returning to Boston in 1916.

I learned:

I don’t believe this “Miss Montran” is my Donna Montran. It is much more likely to have been Maude Minnie (Winter) Montran.

ENDNOTES

[1] Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) March 30, 1916, Page 15, Column 5, FEMALE HELP WANTED, 6th advertisement. Via Genealogy Bank https://www.genealogybank.com/nbshare/AC01130623185737193651535297167

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World Beard Day

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Don Taylor

World Beard Day Logo1 September 2018
by Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.Today, in recognition of World Beard Day, I’m recognizing some of my ancestral beards. I’ve had a beard most of my life. I didn’t have a beard for the first few years in the Navy, but while Admiral Zumwalt was the Chief of Naval Operations and beards were allowed, I too had one. I grew a full beard again after I got out of the service.  I shaved it off for a short time while I ran for City Council in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, but promptly grew it back after I failed to win. My wife has never seen me without a beard except in photos and we’ve been together since 1991. She says shaving it off would be grounds for separation.

My Maternal Side – Mannin & Parsons

Photo of Enoch Mannin

Enoch Mannin

My 3rd great-grandfather, Enoch Mannin had the most amazing chin-curtains ever. I find chin-curtains to be beards without the benefit of not shaving. Chin-curtains require daily shaving of the face. Mustache area, cheeks, and chin are all shaved daily. Only the area under the jawline is left to grow. I find shaving under the jawline and shaving the neck to be the easiest part of shaving, so leaving that natural and shaving the more difficult areas seems odd to me.

Image of Chester Parsons

Chester Parsons

My 4th great-grandfather, Chester Parsons also had interesting chin-curtains as well. In The History of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Page 437, a drawing of Chester Parsons shows his chin-curtains were gray in the center under his chin and dark on the sides.

 

My Paternal Side –

Samuel Vaden Scott

Samuel Vaden Scott

Although he was clearly a working man, my 2nd great-grandfather, Samuel Vaden Scott, had a nice, well-groomed beard (at least when the photo was taken).

 

 

 

Photo of William Hunter Scott

William Hunter Scott

His father, my 3rd great-grandfather, William Hunter Scott had a full beard. The photo I have of him shows a beard much like mine was several years ago – white on the sides with salt & pepper on the chin and mustache. He had an interesting face.

Others

Photo of Henry Conn

Henry Conn

Although not related directly to me Henry Conn, Sr., the 3rd great-grandfather of my nephews Mike & Luke, had wild hair, a full beard, and a twisted bar mustache. He was an Oregon pioneer.

———-

Some years ago, I worked for a military organization as a civilian. Some of the leadership there were active duty officers. When one of the majors came on board and was introduced to the employees. When he was introduced to me the first words he had for me weren’t, “Hello, nice to meet you” or anything similar. Rather his first words were, “When are you going to get a shave and a haircut?” A couple weeks later, I was in the cafeteria with a couple other bearded employees. I saw that Major A. was coming over to our table. Upon his arrival, I segued the conversation to beards. I asked the table if they knew how shaving became popular in Western Culture. When no one knew the answer, I said it came from “the Greeks, some of whom wanted to keep their boyish appearance for their men lovers.” Major A. never again suggested I shave.

Today, on World Beard Day, I remember all my ancestors who had beards.[amazon_link asins=’B009NNFB0O,B071RTF9HN’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’dtaygen-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’20492d31-126a-11e8-8ab3-53b8bb323af5′]

 

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